Shift by Rachel Vincent Lots of Squeeing by Book Addict Patti

in 5 Star Reviews, Guest Posts 35 Comments

When KC invited me to share my favorite book so far this year, I did not hesitate – Shift, written by Rachel Vincent. This is one of my all-time favorite series, and I waited for Shift, excited because I knew it was going to be great, and nervous that I was building it up too much in my head and that no one could meet those expectations. I should have known better – Rachel Vincent is a fabulous author and totally delivered!!!

I’m not going to go into the whole plot here, just why I likd the book; my review is here. My personal opinion is that Shift is one of the better reviews I’ve written – I think my enthusiasm for the book and the series as a whole shows. And when Ms. Vincent linked to my goodreads review I almost passed out from excitement (lame, I know)!

So anyway, the book: I ooohhh-ed and wow-ed and could not put the book down. Hubs was getting impatient because this is one of my series that he also reads (Faythe frutrates him though, he just wants her to “make up her damn mind”). One of the things I love about the series is how Faythe has grown from a selfish annoying girl to a mature young woman, one who’s almost ready to lead the Pride. She really stepped up in Shift.

And of course, there’s Marc and Jace. Oooohhh Yeah – Marc and Jace. I confess I love a good love triangle, and Faythe’s really gotten herself into it this time. They both want her, and she can’t have both (I say why not – a Marc and Jace sandwich would be pretty darn yummy! *g*) Marc is so in love with Faythe, and has been for so long. He’s posessive and a born leader, if not a born werecat; the scene were the tomcat from another Pride tried to sexually assault Faythe, and Marc bit his thumb off because the thumb had touched Faythe’s nipple is just one example. Jace used to be a bit of a himbo, but it seems he’s settling in his ways. His previous casual flirtations with Faythe have deepened, and he wants Faythe. Events in Shift have made it possible for that scenario if Faythe so chooses.

I know this is a hockey guy (Jeremy Bloom – don’t know what team he plays for) but he kind of looks like how I imagine Marc, dark, serious, and sexy:

And I know you can’t see a face, but this is sort of my image of Jace – a bit sexy and adventerous and fun (and that sexy touseled hair, rowr!)…


This book was so full of awesome in so many different ways:

~The Thunderbirds were really creepy and scary.
~Faythe’s pack’s arch enemies were superbad, Ms. Vincent doesn’t pull any punches where her characters are concerned.
~Faythe’s mission seemed impossible to succeed.
~The tension between Faythe and Marc and Jace was just OMG! I don’t see how Ms. Vincent is going to write this one out – there’s no solution that will be happy for everyone.

This book left me wanting, but in a good way – I want more!!! I gave the book 5 stars, and to date I give the series 5 stars – I just finished reading Alpha, the final *sob* book in the series, which is going to be released in October 1, 2010! (She’s posted the first chapter here.) This book took all my expectations and blew them out of the water – it’s that good! Changes are a’comin and sometimes change hurts….

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35 Comments

  1. Awesome post Patti!
    And I who have only read book 1..need to read more!

  2. You had to bring out the visuals for us to lurk at didn’t you…evol woman ! ;) A good love trianlge brings such delicious tension along with it, I never can get enough of it. And don’t we understand your geeky moment there…I had an author or two commenting on my blog that made a fangirl squee around the world LOL I enjoyed your post patti!

  3. Patti: SO not geeky to get excited about an author commenting!

  4. Sigh…I have not read this series. Must add it to the list! Nice post Patti!

  5. I think I hate you too. You’ve read Alpha? *sob*
    But yes, I completely totally agree that this book, this series, is amazing. And I think it’s because, like you stated, Ms Vincent doesn’t pull any punches. She’s going to kill off her characters. She’s going to let Faythe get the shit beat out of her. And it just makes the series so much more gripping.

  6. Woot! Shift was fantastic, and I really can’t wait for Alpha. I am so very sad the series has come to an end. :(

  7. @Blodeuedd: Every book is better than the last, IMHO – keep reading!

    @Leontine: Always with the visuals, LOL! And yes, this love triangle is full of tension – just like I like it :)

    Chris: Thanks, I still feel like a geek though ;)

    Mandi: Oh – you MUST read this series – it is full of the awesome!

    Natasha: LOVED Alpha! And you’re right, she doesn’t pull any punches which is part of what I love about the series, you might think you know what’s coming next, but then she surprises you.

  8. Great post Patti!
    Im currently on ‘Pride’ while its not my favourite series i DO love the love triangle, it keeps me reading, i heart Marc, i hope she chooses him.

    Does she choose him ? i must know! no dont tell me! =P

    Arghhhh! lol

  9. @Smash Attack: I am sad the series is over but happy she ended it on a high note and didn’t drag it out past where it should end…

    @Claire: Oh yes, I do love that Marc/Jace tension – I confess I like them both for different reasons :) I think you can tell, because as I re-read the post I used “sexy” too many times to describe them!

  10. Nice post Patti! I have these books in my book closet. They have been there for a while. I figure I’ll get to them after the last one comes out. Really, I will… Really. They sound fantastic, and now that I know how much you love them, I’m sure I’ll like them too :)

  11. I love this series. I have Shift but have not started it yet. Alpha’s gonna make me cry isn’t it? *sniffle* Greta write up Patti.

  12. Hi Patti! I now follow your blog and you on Twitter – and because of this review, and all the things I’ve been hearing about this series and author on Twitter, I just bought the first of the series Stray. Yep, just got it right now on my Mac and iPhone. I’ll hopefully get to start it soon!
    And also, awesome pic of who you think the character Marc looks like – WOWWY WOW WOW.
    With the exception of a few, I love series that have a definite end, and don’t go onnn and onnnn and onnnn, no matter how bitter sweet the end of the series is.
    Thank you for sharing with us!

  13. Great guest post Patti! I’m really going to have to check out this series now! I do love a good shifter book1

  14. Viki S.

    Excellent review. I have been reading my eACR of ALPHA. It’s taking me SO much longer than when I have a book in hand. Sitting at the desktop doesn’t work very well for me. So far I’m loving ALPHA but have already cried a few times. Did you see the post yesterday by Rachel saying she may have a shifter story in an anthology next spring?
    Thanks again.

  15. @Julie: You are in for such a treat – I love being “in” the shifter world – it’s an amazing series!

    @Tori: There were so many spots in Shift were I just couldn’t believe my eyes – if you liked the rest of the series you’ll love it! And yes, I cried in Alpha, twice :)

    @Spaz P: Wow, thanks! I hope you like Shift – IMO the books just keep getting better, and that’s saying a lot b/c when I read Stray I couldn’t stop and ran out and bought the next books that were available at the time – totally hooked! (and yes, isn’t he a super-hottie? Totally nomnomnom)

    @Colette: Give them a try – it’s one of my fave series out there – on my shelf with Curran/Kate and Cat/Bones!

    @Viki S: My husband hasn’t read Alpha yet and he’s getting impatient but he won’t read my kindle so he’s just got to wait, LOL. I saw her post and I hope she does an epilogue or something – that would be awesome!!!

  16. This was my favorite book in the series. The tension just tore me up! I agree with you, Alpha can not end well. It’s going to hurt.

  17. ***Waves to Patti***

    **Waves to Smoking & KC**
    Hello ladies… Patti what a great post!!!
    Given the book you love much props!!!

  18. @Fiction Vixen: Shift was definitely my favorite in the series (until I read Alpha, LOL). It was a great read I didn’t want to put down – family hungry? house a mess? too bad!!!

    @Cecile: *waves back!* Yup, I give this series much, much love!

  19. Patti! Loved your thoughts on this series, especially on the love trianlge. I’m totally and completely sold!! Off to order!

  20. Shame on me for not reading this series!!!

  21. Great post! I am going to start reading this series soon :)

  22. I’m getting behind in my series reading in a very bad way… and this is one of them. I can’t wait to get back into my werecats!!

  23. @VFG: Thanks – I hope you enjoy the series as much as I do!

    @KC: *gasp!* How could you not experience the awesomeness of these books? Thanks for having me over – it’s always fun to talk about this book (and series)!

    @throuthehaze: Thanks – yes, you must start reading this series (nothing like a bit of peer pressure, eh?)

    @Melissa: I have several series that I’m behind on, I feel your pain :)

  24. Awesome review hon! This series was so freaking amazing I have no words!!!! Shift was unbelievable!!! =d

  25. Thanks Patti for such an amazing and gushing post! I simply LOVE when readers convey their enthusiasm and love for a novel/series/author and you did that! I haven’t read this series yet, but I have the 1st book on my TBR shelf and now I want to read it even more! :-D

    ps: and rowr, I’d gladly imagine Marc to look like this hockey player, nice looking *waggles eyebrows* :-p

  26. Love the hockey player as Marc! I’m kinda like your hubs I wish she’d make up her mind and that its Marc! I’ll be so sad to see this series end :(

  27. Damn, that is great visual!LOL

    I can’t wait for the last book to be release, i refuse to start the series before then. Love triangles give me a headache, because i stress about whether it will be the guy i really like, who will get the girl at the end. Once am spoiled about who was chosen, i can just lay back and read in peace!

  28. Viki S.

    Hey Rossy – The real problem here is they are both REALLY great guys.

  29. That’s what i hear, but you know how we always pick one that we REALLY want. I hope she can give the not chosen another series or his own HEA.

  30. I love this series. Bring on Alpha!!!! I actually really like both Marc and Jace, usually I have a preference for one over the other, but I can see her with both. Is it October yet?

  31. @Larissa – thanks – and yes, Alpha rocked my socks off – it was amazing!

    @Stella – I hope you enjoy this series as much as I do :) And yes, he is quite the hottie, isn’t he?

    @Tricia – LOL, hubs grumbles about it but keeps asking when Alpha is out :)

    @Rossi: I hate waiting between books too :)

    @Jenny: I like both Marc and Jace too, Ms. Vincent did a good job giving Faythe two great guys to choose from.

  32. Somehow I haven’t read this series, but have heard great things about it. I’m feeling inadequate in here amidst all the squeeing!

  33. Hey Patti, I’m glad you liked this one. I personally had mixed feelings. :(

    For me it started with sooo much potential, and went downhill in book 4. I am anxiously awaiting Alpha though to see how it all wraps up!

  34. OK, I am almost done with Prey and ready to move on to Shift. I have not been able to stop reading these books, I’ve devoured them, and have no nails left. My eyes are also puffy.
    I cannot wait to get to Shift – what a crazy, insane ride this series is – I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  35. @Emily – Definitely pick up the first book – Stray – it’s a great series!

    @MinnChica – I’m sorry you didn’t like book 4 – did it rip your heart out like it did mine? Alpha was an amazing end to a fabulous series :)

    @SpazP – *squeee!!!* I’m so glad you like it!!!!